School & District Information
Learn more with our District Partner Guide!Frequently Asked Questions | School Districts
MVP BASICS
What is the Montgomery Virtual Program (MVP)?
MVP is an online learning program offered by the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU). MVP allows students take online courses while maintaining enrollment with their local school district, cutting the need for wasteful spending on cyber charter schools.
What can MVP offer a school or district?
We offer cyber-solutions and a top-tier online course catalog that will help schools and districts fight the growing threat of cyber-charter schools.
- MVP offers a wide array of course offerings to accommodate many different academic needs. (ie Credit Recovery, Course Advancement, Summer School)
- Online courses can benefit students who need access to challenging curriculum or more individualized curricular plans.
- We can accommodate all district schedules, calendars, and course optimization needs.
Who can enroll in courses through MVP?
K-12 students who are members of a participating school or district may enroll in courses through the Montgomery Virtual Program.
What equipment is needed to participate in the program?
To complete online courses, a computer with internet access is needed. A Chromebook, Windows or Macintosh computer is required.
What vendors are available through MVP?
Our extensive course list combines the offerings of top vendors. We integrate options from Edgenuity, Odysseyware, Arizona State University, Calvert, Virtual High School, Fuel Education (K12), and Edmentum.
Is the program accredited?
Yes, courses available through the Montgomery Virtual Program are aligned to the PA Core Standards and are taught by PA certified teachers. We also offer a full NCAA certified course catalog.
Does MVP offer credit recovery options?
Yes! MVP offers a wide array of course offerings to accommodate the following needs: credit recovery, course advancement, AP classes, homebound, In-Time (Unit Recovery), dual enrollment, collegiate enrichment, test prep, and summer school.
PROGRAM OPERATIONS
How do schools/districts enroll students in Montgomery Virtual Program?
Step 1: The student or family member needs to contact the school counselor or school liaison to begin the process. The school or district must be a participating partner with the Montgomery Virtual Program.
Step 2: The school representative is responsible for completing the online enrollment form and recommend appropriate courses to ensure all graduation requirements are fulfilled.
Step 3: Once the enrollment form school is received, MVP can outfit the student with a class schedule, necessary log-in credentials, and coursework access dates.
Step 4: An MVP program specialist will contact the student to schedule an orientation, complete the enrollment process, and have the student ready to begin the coursework.
What is the cost of courses through MVP?
Please contact the Program Administrator for pricing details. mvp@mciu.org
How will a student’s progress be reported to the school?
The course percentage from each online course is delivered to the district upon completion and the district is responsible for designating a letter grade according to school district guidelines. Each district must specify their “passing” requirements prior to a student beginning a course. Guidelines should explicitly outline a required course completion percentage and the student performance percentage needed to pass.
How are accommodations for students with IEPs met?
Since students are enrolled in their districts through MVP, it is the district’s responsibility to accommodate students with Individual Education Plans (IEP’s). Schools/districts will ensure that IEPs or Section 504 accommodation plans of students with disabilities are revised prior to placement of any such student in a program that includes online learning as a component and that any IEP or accommodation plan includes such specially-designed instruction, curriculum modifications, adaptations, accommodations, and related services as are necessary to meet the needs of the student in, and are appropriate to, an on-line learning environment.
MVP will consult with schools/districts as requested to assist in determining the appropriateness of IEP or accommodation plan revisions. To the extent that the student requires direct instruction or services either in the home or in a school setting in addition to or to support on-line learning, the school/district will be entirely responsible for the provision of such services. Schools/districts will remain the responsible local educational agency (“LEA”) for purposes of complying with the requirements of state and federal law and will be responsible for the on-going development, revision, and monitoring of IEPs and accommodation plans implemented, in whole or in part, in the on-line learning environment and for discharging all other responsibilities of the LEA under law.
Does MVP support gifted and talented students?
MVP’s online courses can be an exceptional choice for gifted students because they present a unique opportunity. Students can move through course material at an accelerated pace or attempt more difficult coursework. In addition, MVP offers access to challenging courses and AP courses that may not be available in local schools/districts.
How do schools/districts handle state-standardized tests?
All MVP students are required to take the same state-mandated exams as their peers at their local school/district. This includes PSSAs and Keystone Exams. Typically a representative from the school/district contacts the MVP families to schedule and coordinate a time for students to take the standardized tests. MVP follows up with a gentle reminder to families of the importance to be present for these assessments.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What is the role of the MVP coordinator?
Montgomery Virtual Program acts as an intermediary between the online vendors, online teachers, local schools/districts, and the students/families.
We will:
- Serve as an advocate for students and families
- Provide current information to school/district staff members
- Closely monitor student progress to help students meet course expectations
- Address concerns, as needed, by contacting the student, parents, school counselor, online instructor, or other relevant person
- Provide student performance reports to all school liaisons
What are the school/district responsibilities in collaborating with MVP?
It is important for school districts to appoint two points of contact.
- A central office liaison that can make programmatic decisions regarding the program
- A school liaison (guidance counselor) with whom MVP may communicate regarding courses and progress
Other responsibilities include decisions regarding grades, report cards, deadlines, incomplete work, IEPs and 504s, and possible instructional support opportunities for MVP students.
